Offshore plastic surgery

[napavalley]

I am interested in any specific information that anyone has about plastic surgery (specifically facelift) in countries such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, etc. I am not looking for a luxury vacation package which usually costs about as much as surgery in the US , but a cost-effective alternative with a reputable surgeon. I realize that I will have to stay put for a couple of weeks, but the accomodations do not have to be extravagant.
I would prefer hearing from someone with experience - good and bad, however if anyone has a starter recommendation, it would be greatly appreciated.

[KimRick]

Honestly, the best place to get it done would be the U.S. Why would you want to go to a 3rd world country to have surgery?

Originally Posted by napavalley

I am interested in any specific information that anyone has about plastic surgery (specifically facelift) in countries such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, etc. I am not looking for a luxury vacation package which usually costs about as much as surgery in the US , but a cost-effective alternative with a reputable surgeon. I realize that I will have to stay put for a couple of weeks, but the accomodations do not have to be extravagant.
I would prefer hearing from someone with experience - good and bad, however if anyone has a starter recommendation, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Avony]

I agree, you have to be careful about who you let operate on you and most importantly where you get it done! Be careful and do research. I would say that they US is the best place because you stand a better chance of verifying that the surgeon is certified. I had a breast reduction 2 years ago and I did alot of research and knew the average cost which was around $5000-6000 then I met this dr who claimed he would do it for $2500 even though his office was in a hospital, I was hesitant because it was just too cheap. I seriously considered him for a while until I asked to see pics of former patients and he kept making excuses about the pics not being downloaded on the computer or his assistant not having them....I took that hint and ran like a cheeta. So be very careful!

[shurna]

I was in Thailand for five months and a close friend had a facelift with Dr. Apoome at Bumrungrad hospital. Dr. Apoome practiced in California for several years before going back to live in Thailand. Bumrungrad feels like a five star hotel, and its healthcare is even better than most American standards as far as state of the art technology and care.The hospital is managed by Americans and the doctors accredited by US standards. You can also check the doctor's resume on their website.

My friend had a full facelift and stayed in a private room for four days at a cost of $4500. US She then moved to a nice residence hotel next store for $50 per day until the swelling went down. It makes you wonder why cosmetic surgery costs so much in the US.

Thailand is an easy country to travel in for Americans and you won't feel like you are in a developing country in this hospital.


Hope this helps.

[Art_930]

I saw something on one of those news shows about Thailand becoming a major surgery destination for not only cosmetic surgery, but cardiac surgery. The program did say that the doctors were well trained and up to US standards.

I'd definitely consider it because of the cost issues, but I need so much surgery after losing 100+ pounds that the whole idea is daunting.

And the question would be what happens if you have a problem after you get home?